Posted on by Matt Gilligan

If You’re Trying to Eat Healthier, You Need to Check out These 20 Great Food Charts

Many of us need to focus wayyyy more on a healthy diet. I know I could, there’s no doubt about that. One great thing about social media is how easy it is to find new recipes and diet plans with the tap of your finger.

Take a look at these great ideas for healthy eating and follow the Instagram accounts in the photos below to keep up to date on the latest plans!

1. Good alternatives

2. Deli meat alternatives

3. Snack tips

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According to the oxford dictionary, the word ‘Snack’ (noun) is: ‘a small amount of food eaten between meals’. – – If one was to embark on a goal to lose fat, they will likely focus their attention on main meals consumed. They may be vigilant in ensuring consumption of calories aligns with their fat loss target. They may also believe that consumption of large quantities of food from main meals holds more significance to the outcome of their goal than that of smaller quantities of food. – – The problem is, sometimes there is no correlation between relatively small amounts of food and it’s native caloric worth. A 115g blueberry muffin represents 5-8 bites of food – and 420 calories. Coffee with milk and 2 tsp of sugar represents a drink – and 60 calories. 75g of fruit and nut mix represents 2 handfuls of dried fruit and nuts – and 360 calories. The Friday represents the day where one feels they deserve 1 or 2 (or 7) treats. The snacking pattern on the left demonstrates how easy it is to consume significant calories from small amounts of food. – – On the right side of this graphic, the weekly total is over 3000 calories less, yet virtually the same volume of food is consumed (minus reduced portions of nuts and custard creams). There is a balance of foods that require similar lengths of time to consume, foods that one may refer to as a treat and foods that are nutritious. There is also an element of intelligence implemented on the Friday by inclusion of a time consuming food (popcorn), whilst still engaging with colleagues and enjoying a Danish pastry. – – When we are hungry, we should eat. But when we are trying to reduce body fat, we should implement awareness and strategy. Adherence to balanced, calorie supportive, satiating main meals should be a priority, but so should adherence to strategically planned (and measured) snacks which also support one’s caloric deficit, satiety and still provide a disco on your tongue with each bite. ?? – – #thefitnesschef #worksnack #snacktime #fatloss #fatlosshelp #nutritioncoach #eatsmart #diettips #diethelp #treat #caloriecounting #portioncontrol #fatlosscoach #snack #losebellyfat #cakes #officesnacks #officefood

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4. This is good to know

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Refrigerator storage times! Keeping your ? food as fresh as your brand new ? Nikes! lol. _ I’ve posted about this before, but a couple people missed the post so I created a new graphic! It also includes freezer ? times. _ You can go slightly beyond the times and probably won’t get sick or anything, but these I’ve found are the best storage times for ultimate freshness and taste. They’re also what foodsafety.gov recommends on their website! _ Which is your favorite meat for mealprep? #fridgegoals #fridgetimes #iifym #mealprep #mealprepping #foodstorage #healthyeating #healthylifestyle #foodpoisoning #foodpoisoningsucks #healthandwellness #meats #cookingathome #homechef

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5. Liven up your water

6. Sugar quantities in fruit

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Tag a friend and hit save to stay informed on the calorie and sugar quantities within this extensive list of fruits. – – Most fruit proposes a plethora of vitamins and minerals to it’s consumer. And whilst the cringeworthy term, ‘nature’s candy’ is descriptively tragic, fruit is a source of sweet tasting whole food than offers micronutrients for overall health, fibre for satiety and water for hydration. – – As you can see, each fruit has a different macro-nutritional make up. Some have more sugar, others have less. Some have more calories, others have less. And (not displayed here), some have more fibre, whilst others have less. – – It is worth noting that sugar extracted from fruit will have the exact same metabolic result as sugar extracted from a snickers. But the combination of sugar and fibre consumed via a whole food (in this case fruit) makes it more likely to satisfy one’s hunger more than food comprising of sugar and minimal fibre. However, one’s attainment of satiety will differ from another’s. – – Fruit is a more nutritious, calorie sparse source of energy than confectionary. But it is important to realise that caloric values of any food count towards overall energy balance. Fibre density per calories consumed may make one ‘feel fuller’ and therefore aid adherence to overall energy targets – especially calorie deficits. – – Thus, consuming any item of ‘sweet’ tasting food is a valid option, but those which provide more satiety after consumption may support one’s energy balance more, whilst also delivering a host of nutritious advantages at the same time. ? – – P.s. which is your favourite fruit? ? – – #thefitnesschef #fruit #sugar #calories #berries #nutrients #snacktime #snack #vegan #caloriescount #eatsmart #flexiblediet #fruitsalad #micronutrients #avocado #fatlosstips #dieting #lowcaloriesnack #fruitbowl

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7. Swaps!

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The point of consuming food is to remain alive. The point of controlling one’s intake of food is to manage physique and overall health. The point of consuming fewer calories is to reduce body fat across one’s composition. But one constant in all of the above should be one’s enjoyment of food. – – When an individual embarks on fat loss, each of the above are important. One must enjoy their energy consumption, be aware of energy intake in relation to their energy output, and consistently ensure that hat they are in a state of sustainable caloric deficit. To ensure progress, one may have to change and adjust their dietary habits. But instead of completely changing one’s diet, adherence may be more likely if one makes small changes over time. For example: consuming the same volume of lower calorie foods/drinks that are essentially the same foods/drinks. – – This graphic shows two groups of foods/drinks. One group contains over double the calorie amount of the other, yet quantity of both remains the same (apart from the freddo). Crucially, the lower calorie versions resemble the same taste/experiment as their high calorie counterparts (or very similar). – – Whilst consumption of lower calorie versions may not be immediately significant, they can be over a period of time. For example, if one swapped daily consumption of 300ml of whole milk for semi skimmed milk for 1 year, they would consume 17520 fewer calories whilst experiencing is minimally compromised. – – One must make an informed choice in the knowledge that lower calorie items may contain less of a particular macronutrient. And in the case of low calorie beverages, awareness that sweeteners are included. – – Losing fat is not straightforward. It requires a change of habits. But if an individual recognizes opportunities to make small changes which reap big long term rewards, it’s seems short sighted not to take them. ? – – #thefitnesschef #fatlosshelp #fatlossdiet #fatlosstips #halotop #eatsmart #meat #lowcalorie #calories #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #losefat #diet #dieting #smartchoices #flexiblediet #nutritionfacts #losebellyfat

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8. You can still eat pizza

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Because who doesn’t love pizza?! ? Want a fun way to get your pizza on while still getting in more veggies? Try any of the options in the top row! . My personal favorite is the portobella pizza but all of these are great fun options you can make at home. Get crazy with it and add some fun toppings of choice! Info below: . Bell pepper pizza – 1/2 bell pepper, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese + 2 broccoli florets. . Portable pizza – 1/2 Portabella mushroom cap, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese, 2 basil leaves, 1 olive cut into slices. . Zucchini pizza boats – 1/2 zucchini, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mixed cheese, 2 cherry tomatoes. . Rice cake pizza – 1 rice cake, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 basil leaves, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese. . Pita pizza – 1 medium pita, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese, 2 basil leaves + 3 cherry tomatoes. . Pizza pizza – Ordered from the doughroom in Culver City haha Because sometimes you can treat yo self to a damn real pizza. . How to cook the veggie pizzas: 1 – Preheat oven to 350F. 2 – Scoop out the inside of the mushroom, bell pepper or zucchini boat (you can cook the bell pepper or zucchini in oven before adding toppings or add toppings then cook if you don’t need it well done. Mushroom you can add the toppings right away & cook) 3 – Add 1/4 cup marinara, toppings & cheese 4 – Bake in oven for about 10 minutes then enjoy! . You can bake the pita & rice cake in oven or you can microwave xoxo. . P.S. make sure you check my 101 Healthy Snacks Ebook link in bio! (www.101healthysnacks.com) . . . #cleaneating #healthyeating #nutrition #cleaneats #mealprep #foodprep #fitfood #protein #weightloss #mealplan #healthychoices #mealprepsunday #healthyfood #mealprepping #macros #mealprepmonday #flexibledieting #iifym #instahealth #pizza #glutenfree #getfit #gains #meals #healthyliving #determination #healthylifestyle

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9. Muscle meals

10. Stay within your budget

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Hey guys!! Did you know that it’s totally possible to eat healthy without spending a ton or even needing to shop at “whole paycheck”? ?? . ? Recently, in a small trial that used healthy food to successfully treat depression, one of the most surprising things that researchers found was that compared to the junk food diet, the healthy diet- composed of whole foods like veggies, eggs, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, was actually about 13% cheaper! (Jacka, et al)? . Here’s to healthy eating AND healthy bank accounts! And tag someone that needs to see this! ?? • • • • • #cleaneating #healthychoices #healthyfood #healthyeating #nutrition #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #weightloss #instahealth #fitfood #exercise #active #protein #cleaneats #getfit #plantbased #determination #iifym #fitnessaddict #healthylife #gains #wellness #itsalifestyle #instafit #glutenfree #geniusfoods

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11. Smoothie ingredients

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Looking to keep your smoothie low sugar? We asked our friend @theplantedone for her top low sugar smoothie ingredients that are also packed with plant power?? . ⭐Cauliflower Swap out your banana and try this instead to keep your smoothie low sugar and still creamy! We swear, you won't taste it. For more gut-lovin', steam your cauli for maximum digestion! . ⭐Avocado? Avocado makes your smoothie super creamy and is a great source of healthy fat! . ⭐Celery Although celery is mainly water, it's a great source of fibre and vitamin K. . ⭐Zucchini Filled with antioxidants, B vitamins, and vitamin C? Steam your zucchini for easier digestion! . ⭐Spinach? Spinach is packed with Vitamin K, A and C, as well as folate, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. It’s also a good source of niacin, zinc, protein, fibre and more. Why wouldn't you put this green superfood in your smoothie?! ?‍♀️ . ⭐Berries? Blueberries and blackberries are low in sugar but full of powerful antioxidants.

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12. Low cal booze

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Tag a mate who’s likes a festive drink, but may want to save alcoholic calories whilst staying informed ??? – – Whilst my heading is technically misleading in that alcohol as a single organic compound can never be ‘low calorie’, common reference to alcoholic drinks will always be done so through the term ‘alcohol’. For those pedantic nutritionists/scientist out there, this post should probably go under the alias of ‘low calorie drinks containing alcohol’. But you’d fall asleep before completing the heading… So f*ck that. – – Whilst alcohol is not a macronutrient like protein, carbohydrate and fat, it still contains energy. 7 calories per gram to be exact. Given it’s calorie density, it’s easy to understand how alcohol related calorie consumption can accumulate. – – The absence of nutritional value from these calories means that no potential behavioural benefits arise from its consumption (apart from the ability to turn in to a courageous sleaze or superstar DJ). Though there is evidence to suggest that the thermogenic response during alcohol digestion is around 20% of total calories. However, considering the intricacies of TEF with regard to alcohol usage is pretty futile when you’re 12 deep at 3am, dragging you legs along the pavement with ripped jeans, one shoe and an imminently collapsing kebab. – – If fat loss or maintenance is the goal, surely it’s worth considering drinks which taste the same/very similar, but have a reduced calorie worth. In most cases, the alcohol density remains the same, but changes to additional ingredients lower the overall calorie value. – – This way you can still socialise, enjoy the festive period and relax. But you can also get closer to your fitness goal at the same time?. – – #thefitnesschef #alcohol #lowcalorie #nightoutfit #nightoutonthetown #nightoutwithfriends #losefat #calories #caloriescount #caloriecounting #dieting #drinking #beer #wine #vodka #diet #caloriecontrol #fatlosscoach #nutritiontips

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13. Crucial info

14. Egg advice

15. For all you vegetarians

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Do toddlers have to eat meat? ?I get about 5 DMs a week from moms saying their kiddos won't eat meat. I've been doing a series on food battles here. I don't have a real quote for you, but I'm lumping them all together into "Help! My child won't eat meat!" ??⠀ ~⠀ And actually, your child doesn't have to eat meat to be healthy! You may want your child to eat meat and you may not. Either is fine. If you want them to learn to like meat, you can serve them very small cut up bites of meat to explore and maybe eat. One bite is a big win for tough-to-chew meat! ⠀ ~⠀ Look at all the different ways kids can get protein! While meat may play a role in getting your child the zinc, protein, and iron that they need, your child can also get those things from other foods while they are learning to like meat. And if you're wondering how much protein they "officially" need, here are the numbers:⠀ ~⠀ Protein needs in kids:⠀⠀ 0.5 g/lb/day for 1-3 year olds⠀⠀ 0.43 g/lb/day in 4-13 year olds⠀⠀ ~⠀⠀ For my kids, that's about 15 g per day. Most kids get more in the United States. ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ By @kids.eat.in.color .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #nutritionist #vegetarianprotein #vegetariankids #veggiekids #nutritioncoaching #registereddietitian #dietitian #nutritionfirst #nutritionists #nutritiongoals #kidfood #healthykids #nutritionexpert #nutritioniskey #nutritiontip #pediatricdietitian #lunchbox #lunchboxideas #kidslunchbox #kidslunches #kidslunchideas #kidslunch #lunchideas #healthylunch #schoollunch #lunchboxinspiration #kids #kidseatincolor

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16. Calcium

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⠀ FOOD SOURCES OF CALCIUM ⠀ ⠀ Calcium is an important mineral, we actually have more calcium in our body than any other mineral! ⠀ 99% of our calcium is in our bones and teeth. A small amount is absorbed into the blood and is essential for muscle function, nerve signalling and to keep our heart beating ? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⚠Every muscle contraction in our body requires calcium! ⠀ Our body tightly controls the amount of calcium we have circulating in our blood so if you aren’t getting enough from your diet, the body will start to release calcium from its largest source, our bones! ⠀ This is why it is important to include calcium rich foods into your diet to maintain your bone strength (density) and prevent the development of osteoporosis. ⠀ The main foods rich in calcium are dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt. However there are many non-dairy sources that provide calcium. ⠀ If you are avoiding dairy because of allergies, intolerance or ethical reasons (vegans) make sure your diet includes non dairy calcium food sources. ⠀ Some non dairy sources of calcium like as spinach and rhubarb contain oxalates, naturally occurring compounds that decrease calcium absorption. This is just something to be aware of. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Men and women 19 years + calcium requirements: 1,000 mg:day ⠀ Women over 50 years & men over 70 years requirements: 1,300 mg/day ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ If you aim to include 1-2 of the above foods at each meal and between meals I am positive you will reach the recommended amount! Don’t worry about the numbers! ⠀ ⠀ Help a friend out and tag them below ????⠀❤ Savina ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ If reposting this image, the content must not be edited! #bonesmatter #eatforhealth #dairyaustralia #wellnessblogger #weightlossjourney #nutritioncoach #allfoodsfit #foodasmedicine #fuelyourbody #healthychoice #nutritionfacts #dairyaustralia #weightlossjourney #dietitian #portioncontrol #eatsmart #calories #nutrientdense #weightlossideas #nutritional #veganshare #smartfood #healthytips #justeatrealfood #eatbetter #caloriecounting #notadiet #healthychanges #weightlosstips #nutritionfacts @rokebyfarms @thecultureco_ @vitasoy_aus_nz @outback_harvest

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17. Smart desserts

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? IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL DESSERT?! Well then you better listen up ? If you want to have your cake and eat it too – then it's important to note: eating well for overall health and fat loss is a two part system in that quality and quantity go hand in hand, the art of weight loss will always boil down to calories in vs calories out. If you want to lose weight you need to calorically be consuming less energy than expenditure. It is necessary to acknowledge the calorie value of your food choices as it will be the driver in whether you lose or gain weight. Take the above examples, a few small changes in dessert choices have changed the caloric density significantly between each meal, allowing you to fit in your sweet treat in more budget-friendly way for your calorie bank. Make smarter choices ✅ A #healthy approach to dieting is a flexible dieting method maintaining an 80/20 rule. The 80/20 rule practices a moderated approach where all foods can fit into a balanced diet. ?Around 80% of the time opt for whole foods that are rich in micronutrients, such as whole grains, leaner cuts of meat, legumes, vegies, fruits, grains etc and give yourself around 20% of the time where you choose foods that nourish your soul, that includes dessert. Be a strict flexible dieter – but not a restricted one ☝ Do you need help getting the balance right⁉Do you smash your diet Monday – Friday and battle demons and binges on the weekends❓?Let us show you the light with a customised science based nutrition plan and guaranteed results! ?PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE ?LINK IN OUR BIO ?info@equalution.com

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18. GUT HEALTH

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TOP FOODS FOR GUT HEALTH ? — ? Hey guys! Did you know that the impact of gut health extends far beyond your midsection? It's important for nearly every aspect of your being including your weight, metabolism, inflammation, brain function, and more. — ?? Natural fiber from whole foods is one of the best ways of nourishing gut health, and thankfully a recent analysis of observational studies has confirmed the broad health benefits of eating more fiber. (ref: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/107/3/436/4939351). But while quantity is important, quality is just as critical! — ??‍♀️??‍♂️ When it comes to gut health, we want to aim for foods with prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fiber is microbiota-accessable, meaning your gut bacteria will consume it and make them happy. — ? Here I've listed some of the top gut-healing foods. If you're just getting started on a gut-improvement journey, go slow with these foods as a sudden increase in prebiotic fiber can cause pretty intense fermentation leading to bloating and worse ???. — ? Tag someone who needs this, and hit me with any questions—I got your back! • • • • • #veggies #kale #geniusfoods #greens #nutrition #guthealth #vegetables #probiotics #plantbased #healthyfood #cleaneating #organic #salad #weightloss #iifym #vegetarian #healthyeating #gains #wellness #homegrown #fitfood #quinoa #veggie #abs #healthylifestyle #instafit #sugarfree #paleo

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19. Know your bread

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Tag a bread lover, hit save and get educated on the calorie values of these assorted breads. ? – – People eat bread. This largely occurs because people like bread. In most cases it is not particularly nutrient dense, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be consumed with/without something that is nutrient dense. – – For too long bread has been blamed for weight gain or the primary food that stagnates weight loss. Whilst bread is left on supermarket shelves by those convinced that it’s the reason they are fat, the real issue is of course that several multi-faceted issues/actions across one’s diet and lifestyle contribute to weight gain. To attribute one food/food group as the single cause of the complexity that is obesity is short sighted. – – Most of the calories in bread originate from carbs in refined form (and we know how irrational people can be about refined carbs). But when an individual claims that relatively high carb foods are satanic for one’s composition, they are misinformed and irrational. In fact, one recent study tested diets with free access to refined carbs compared with refined fats. It’s results indicated that more weight was gained over time with free access to refined fats, not carbs. This is just one study of course. – – As you’ll see, in terms of calories, white bread is similar wholemeal and rye breads. Therefore you will not necessarily manage weight better by consuming brown bread, despite it being less refined. The only key nutritional difference is fibre. And whilst fibre may increase one’s satiety, attention must also be paid to additional food variables included in the form of fillings or spreads to gather a greater insight into total energy consumed and subsequent food behaviour. ?? – – If you enjoy bread, include it in your diet. If you don’t enjoy bread, don’t include it. But whatever your decision, make it the knowledge that any food can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. ? P.s. What’s your favourite bread? – – #thefitnesschef #breadlover #carbs #fatloss #calories #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #losebellyfat #losefat #nutritioncoach #fatlosstips #fatlosscoach #breadlife #fatlosscoach #fibre #nutritionfacts #bread

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20. Some good overall tips

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Guys! Hi! ?? Here are 12 ways to make yourself happier! ☀ — ?? Now I know I'm going to get some hate comments for #3, but actually, it's a valid suggestion! A study of 1000 women found that those who consumed less than 3-4 small servings/week were twice as likely to have a diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorder as those consuming that amount. — ?? While correlation can't prove causation, there were some strengths to the study that make me think the link is worth respecting. There was no relationship between other forms of protein, such as chicken, pork, fish or plant-based proteins, and mental health. And, women who consumed more than 3-4 servings were also more likely to be depressed. SO this is why I say "some"—because I think some is better than none, but too much doesn't seem to be ideal either! (ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22433903) — ? Which of these is your favorite? And please tag someone who needs these tips today. ❤ – ? P.S. In my book Genius Foods you'll get a deep dive into how food can work the nobs and levers of your mood. You'll learn about the connections between food and depression, anxiety, lack of focus, fatigue, and more. • • • • • #happiness #motivationmonday #mondaymotivation #motivationalmonday #joy #peace #instamotivation #motivationalquotes #positivity #motivational #itsalifestyle #positivevibes #blessed #success #inspire #depression #quotes #quote #inspo #dedication #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #quoteoftheday #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #geniusfoods #instafit

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Now that you’re armed with those tips, get out there and get healthy starting TODAY!

The post If You’re Trying to Eat Healthier, You Need to Check out These 20 Great Food Charts appeared first on UberFacts.